Summer at High Sierra AHEC: Preparing for an Exciting Fall

While summer often brings a change of pace for students, it is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year at High Sierra AHEC. As classrooms quiet down and many take time to enjoy Nevada's beautiful summer season, our team is hard at work planning new opportunities that will continue to strengthen healthcare workforce pathways across our state.

Behind the scenes, we are collaborating with partners, refining programs, developing new resources, and preparing for another impactful school year. Summer provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on what we have accomplished while building innovative initiatives that will benefit students, educators, healthcare employers, and communities in the months ahead.

One exciting project currently in development is the launch of the AHEC Scholars Alumni Network. Since the inception of the AHEC Scholars Program, we have had the privilege of supporting students as they develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to serve rural and underserved communities. Our new alumni initiative will help us stay connected with graduates, celebrate their accomplishments, foster professional networking, and highlight the incredible impact they are making throughout Nevada and beyond.

We are also expanding opportunities for younger students through the development of a Tiered Student Ambassador Program. This enhanced model will recognize varying levels of leadership, engagement, and service while providing students with additional opportunities to build professional skills, mentor peers, participate in community outreach, and explore careers in healthcare. Our goal is to create a leadership pathway that grows alongside our students and encourages continued involvement throughout their educational journey.

These initiatives reflect High Sierra AHEC's commitment to building sustainable healthcare workforce pathways that extend beyond a single program or school year. By creating opportunities for continued engagement, from high school through professional practice, we are strengthening the future healthcare workforce while fostering lasting connections with the communities we serve.

Summer also means camp season at High Sierra AHEC, and we are excited to welcome students to two of our signature healthcare pathway experiences. Healthcare Heroes Camp, taking place July 13 through July 17, introduces students to the dynamic world of healthcare through hands-on activities, interactive simulations, and engaging experiences with healthcare professionals. Campers explore a wide variety of healthcare careers while building teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Later this summer, our Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Camp, held August 3 through August 7, invites students to step into the role of forensic investigators as they explore the connections between science, healthcare, and criminal investigations. Through immersive activities and real-world scenarios, students develop investigative skills while learning how healthcare and STEM professionals work together to solve complex cases. Both camps are designed to spark curiosity, inspire future careers, and give students unforgettable hands-on learning experiences that make healthcare and science come alive.

From all of us at High Sierra AHEC, we hope you are having a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer. Stay tuned because there is much more to come, and we cannot wait to share it with you.